EFNL 2025: Young gun Tom Smith’s ‘day out’ as Surrey Park meets Division 2 test

Promoted outfit Surrey Park found plenty out about Eastern’s Division 2 on Saturday as it survived a late opposition charge – with one of the league’s brightest young talents kicking a bag.

Six goals from Surrey Park’s Tom Smith spearheaded the club’s Division 2 arrival on Saturday. Picture : George Sal

Another season, another test of a higher division.

Surrey Park marked its promotion to Eastern’s Division 2 with an 18.6 (114) to 15.10 (100) victory over fellow newcomer Wantirna South on Saturday – spearheaded by young gun Tom Smith with six goals.

Surviving a final-quarter surge, Surrey Park – which has climbed two divisions in as many years – led the relegated Devils by 10 points at half-time before a six-goal-to-two third term set it on course for victory.

But the visitors had other ideas – finishing with a rush of six majors to three in a last-ditch bid for the points.

Fresh off a practice match a fortnight ago against Division 1 side North Ringwood, and with Wantirna South hardened by a long stint in the higher flight, Surrey Park coach James Kenworthy said his charges were expecting a tough tussle.

They got it.

Down a rotation in the second half following a knock to Jasper Mundy, the Panthers simply had to dig deep in Saturday’s autumn warmth.

“It was pretty telling having one less rotation in that last quarter,” Kenworthy said.

“(Division 2 is) very fast-paced, and when you do turn it over, it pretty much goes straight down the other end.

“The teams are obviously a lot more skilful, more knowledge of how to play the game, and they make you pay for your mistakes – which Wantirna South did.

“It (Saturday’s match) was a bit of an arm-wrestle in that first half, and that first 15 minutes of the third quarter we started to get on top and hit the scoreboard.”

Surrey Park raises the Division 3 cup. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Smith, who was best afield in Surrey Park’s Division 4 and Division 3 premierships, may well have put the competition on notice according to the coach.

“He had an absolute day out,” Kenworthy said.

“A lot of the clubs wouldn’t have taken notice of Surrey Park ever, so now they’ll pretty much be watching every game we play and start to put a lot of work into our new guys.

“For us, we see him (Smith) as an inside mid but he’s so dangerous up forward and there’s not too many guys that can run with him.

“He’s elite in the air, great at ground level, and so skilful – he’s an extremely hard match-up.”

Meanwhile, recruit Hayden Telford finished with four majors – including three in the second term – while Jake Van Der Pligt (two goals), Jack Mahon and Kane Henden “went to work all day” in the middle according to the coach.

Premiership star Jack Mahon was among the best on Saturday. Picture: Davis Harrigan

Chris Tsatas led the way in defence, while former Doncaster stalwart Angelo Rambaldi booted two majors in his new colours after recently signing with the club amid the Sharks’ entering recess.

Kenworthy said three debutants “looked comfortable at the level” on Saturday, with former Surrey Park junior Lachie McDonald, and Blackburn under-19 premiership pair Dante Cotroneo and Quentin Parry donning the senior-grade ‘prison bars’.

Unfurling its 2024 Division 3 flag, the Panthers also took the points across all three teams.

“From a club point of view, getting three wins in round one is a massive effort.”